Measles is a highly infectious viral illness which can lead to serious complications, such as diarrhoea and vomiting and an eye infection. In rare circumstances heart and nervous system problems can occur.
While anyone can get measles if they haven’t been vaccinated, a new report has revealed the total number of cases for the first six months of the year has far exceeded the 12-month totals for every year this decade.
So far, the highest annual total for measles cases between 2010 and 2017 was 23,927 for 2017 and the lowest was 5,273 for 2016.
Monthly country reports also indicate that at least 37 people have died due to measles so far this year.
“Following the decade’s lowest number of cases in 2016, we are seeing a dramatic increase in infections and extended outbreaks.” says Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe.
“We call on all countries to immediately implement broad, context-appropriate measures to stop further spread of this disease. Good health for all starts with immunization, and as long as this disease is not eliminated we are failing to live up to our Sustainable Development Goal commitments.”
Seven countries in the region have seen over 1,000 infections in children and adults this year (France, Georgia, Greece, Italy, Russian Federation, Serbia and Ukraine).
Ukraine has been the hardest hit with over 23,000 people affected, accounting for over the half the regional total.
Measles-related deaths have been reported in all of these countries, with Serbia reporting the highest number of 14.
To prevent outbreaks, at least 95 per cent immunisation coverage with two doses of measles-containing vaccine is needed every year in every community, as well as efforts to reach children, adolescents and adults who missed routine vaccination in the past.
While immunisation coverage with two doses of measles-containing vaccine increased from 88% of eligible children in the Region in 2016 to 90 per cent in 2017, large disparities at local level persist, with some communities reporting over 95 per cent coverage and others below 70 per cent.
WHO is working closely with Member States currently facing outbreaks to implement response measures, including enhanced routine and supplemental immunisation as well as heightened surveillance to quickly detect cases, as well as with other countries to attain the 95 per cent threshold.
“At this midterm juncture for the European Vaccine Action Plan, we must celebrate our achievements while not losing sight of those who are still vulnerable and whose protection requires our urgent and ongoing attention,” concludes Dr Jakab. “We can stop this deadly disease. But we will not succeed unless everyone plays their part: to immunise their children, themselves, their patients, their populations – and also to remind others that vaccination saves lives”.
All 53 countries in the European Region will review mid-term progress of the European Vaccine Action Plan at the 68th WHO Regional Committee for Europe taking place in Rome, Italy on 17-20 September 2018.
Measles usually clears around seven to 10 days, and the initial symptoms of the virus develop around 10 days after you’re infected.
According to the NHS, these can include: cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, sneezing and a cough, sore, red eyes that may be sensitive to light, a high temperature (fever), which may reach around 40C, and small greyish-white spots on the inside of the cheeks.
A few days later, a red-brown blotchy rash will appear. This usually starts on the head or upper neck before spreading outwards to the res of the body.
The health body advises: “You should contact your GP as soon as possible if you suspect that you or your child may have measles.
“It’s best to phone before your visit as your GP surgery may need to make arrangements to reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others.
“You should also see your GP if you have been in close contact with someone who has measles and haven’t been fill vaccinated with two doses of the MMR vaccine, or had the infection before. You should do this even if you don’t have any symptoms.”